The United States celebrates Women’s History Month the entire month of March. Now, more than ever, women are recognized for their achievements throughout time. This month-long celebration highlights women’s contributions to society and history. This is a holiday for women- an opportunity to empower them in any setting and call them to action.

“Women and girls can do anything. And all of us, everywhere, should have the chance to prove that.” -Melinda Gates

So how can we prove it? It’s simple to write “Happy International Women’s Day” on a social media post, but how do we actually get involved and make a difference for all of the beautiful, strong women out there? Before we get into that, let’s dig a little deeper into the history of Women’s History Month!

Women’s History Month Facts

Women’s History Month dates back to 1978 when the Sonoma, California school district decided to turn International Women’s day into a week long celebration.

The schools were given presentations, students entered an essay contest called “Real Woman” and downtown Santa Rosa held a parade.

After a few years, the trend caught on giving them national attention. By 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s Week.

U.S. Congress followed and six years later the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.

5 Ways to Get Involved

So thanks to a small school district in Sonoma California and all of the brave followers, we get to celebrate women for an entire month!

Here are the ways you can take action this years Women’s History Month:

1. Join National Women’s History Project

National Women’s History Project is the organization who convinced congress and the White House that women should be recognized on an annual basis. Its mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing informational services and educational and promotional materials.

As an NWHP Member, you not only support their organizing and educational efforts this year, you also help secure their work for future generations. Follow their 2018 hashtag “#neverthelessshepersisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.”

2. Follow Empowering Social Media Accounts for Women

There are tons of social media accounts created solely to recognize women. A lot of times these groups will have meetups in your community so you can socialize with other like-minded women. Social media is a great way to get to know modern day, inspirational women from all around the world. A few recommended accounts are: @babeswhohustle, @bossbabes, @womenincomics, @womenforwomen.

3. Read a Book About Powerful Women

Books help you grow. Enough said! Below are some recommendations, but don’t stop there. There are plenty of books that emphasize women empowerment and may teach you a thing or two on how women impacted history.

Recommendations:

Sally Ride

A Short History of Women

The Blazing World

The Wife

Brown Girl Dreaming

4. Find Local Events Celebrating Women’s History Month

Check out the events tab on your Facebook, Google search “2018 Women’s History Month (your city) events”, or talk to your job/school and see if they’re sponsoring a parade.

There’s an entire month for you to find at least one event to support a good cause and possibly have a good time… Now is that so bad?

5. Donate to an Organization

Lastly, a significant way to get involved and make a difference is to donate to a good cause for equal women’s rights.

Find an organization that you support and is doing good work towards a cause you are passionate about. It will feel really great to help an organization who helps women.

Conclusion

From rich history and the amazing women who fought to be recognized, Women’s History Month should not be taken lightly. Women are celebrated all the time, but this is one month solely dedicated to them, so make it count. Do your part to be educated and get involved.

We celebrate women.

By: Antoinette Vitale
February 22, 2017

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion or suggestions of CenterState Bank.

Our history of quality service and community focus started in the early 1990’s when a group of individuals came together around the belief that thinking locally would translate into a better bank. Through their vision, CenterState was born.
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